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Stuart Townley Professor of Applied Mathematics Environment and Sustainability Institute. Why study m athematics?. Mathematics is the universal language for analysis, abstraction, explanation and prediction
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Stuart Townley Professor of Applied Mathematics Environment and Sustainability Institute
Why study mathematics? • Mathematics is the universal language for analysis, abstraction, explanation and prediction • Development of mathematics is stimulated by our observations of the physical and natural world
Why a mathematics degree Builds generic skills in logic and reasoning Enhances IT skills Ranges from abstract to applied Valued by employers in finance, commerce, technology Mathematics is vital for tackling multi-disciplinary challenges faced by 21st century society
Why study Mathematics and Planet Earth? • Mathematics underpins analysis, explanation and prediction of our planet • Our mathematical development is inspired by observations of Earth, its systems, processes and the life it supports
Typical make up of a maths applicant • A level (or equivalent) in Maths • Common to have A levels in Physics and/or Chemistry • Some would have Further Maths • Many would have A levels in History and/or English, Biology, Geography, Business Studies, …
Make up of a maths applicant - ctd • ABB is the bench mark for entry into Russell group universities • Passion for mathematics … and • Interest in its wider use and development • Understanding of 21st century challenges and the role of maths
Useful experiences • http://www.britishscienceassociation.org/crest-awards • http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/nuffield-research-placements • Maths and science enrichment workshops • MathsMasterclasses
Typical “Russell Group” mathsdegree Year 1: Core pure and applied maths, mathematical methods Year 2: Mostly compulsory mix of pure and applied maths, mathematical methods & Statistics Year 3: Diverse range of options, final year project, outside options, … Some elements of group learning, student based investigations, employability, …
HE Maths for the 21st Century • Year 1 • Classroom investigations based around field work • Expert lecturers inspire group based research • Cross curriculum assignments • Year 2 • Peer mentoring • Topical, relevant applied options • Year 3 • Project work with dual supervision • Iceland Field Course – putting maths in • to action
Useful Links • http://www.mathscareers.org.uk/16-19/career_profiles.cfm • http://www.ams.org/careers/ • http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching • Maths of Planet Earth 2013
Average Starting Salaries* • IT graduates £21,179 (artificial intelligence), £20,855 (information systems), £20,651 (software engineering) and £20,388 (computer science). • Science graduates £21,721 (physics), £18,917 (chemistry), £17,390 (environmental science), £17,232 (biology) and £16,462 (sports science). • Average starting salary for maths graduates was £21,724. *Based on 2009 graduates six months after graduating - by the Higher Education Careers Services Unit (HECSU) and the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS)
Destinations of Mathematics graduates 3M Allianz BP Centrica Commerzbank Ernst & Young Grant Thornton KPMG Ocado Princess Yachts PwC Renishaw Royal Bank of Scotland Royal London Insurance Siemens Towers Watson Actuarial analyst Assistant finance analyst Audit associate Bond processor Consultant Data analyst Software engineer Maths teacher Market risk analyst Pricing analyst Sales consultant Web designer